Clearwater police searching for suspects after bicyclist attacked, killed in beach neighborhood
CLEARWATER, Fla. - In a normally quiet neighborhood in the northern part of Clearwater Beach, detectives were trying to figure out who violently attacked and killed a bicyclist Friday morning.
During a press conference, Deputy Chief Michael Walek made a plea, asking for anyone to come forward if they have information on what led up to the homicide.
Late Friday afternoon, Clearwater police identified the victim as 49-year-old Jeffrey Chapman of Clearwater Beach. His exact cause of death will be determined through an autopsy by the Pinellas-Pasco County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Detectives are searching for at least two suspects. Walek also said they are searching for a black four-door sedan, but no further description has been determined. The current information was provided from a witness and surveillance footage.
Around 12:30 a.m., Clearwater police received a 911 call from a citizen saying they heard a struggle and spotted a "person down," Deputy Chief Walek explained.
When officers arrived, they found Chapman's body in front of a home in the 700 block of Mandalay Avenue. Walek said the home, nor its owner, is connected to the crime. No motive is known at this time. The victim's bicycle didn't appear damaged.
"I would say there is no fear for the residents of Clearwater Beach," Walek said, adding that it appeared to be a "crime of opportunity." Police have stepped up patrols in the area.
Walek said Chapman had "blunt force trauma" to his upper body. Detectives are "actively looking at all investigative tools." They currently don't know if there is a possible link between the suspect and victim.
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Neighbors who spoke with FOX 13 said they didn’t hear anything last night, but can’t believe this could happen in their area.
"I just think everybody here is in shock," Clearwater resident Mike Mitchell said.
Mitchell’s family is visiting and staying in a home across the street from where the victim was found.
"It’s just something that you don’t see happen every day. They’re from Kentucky and they’re thinking, ‘Wow, does this sort of thing happen down here in Clearwater?' and I told them, ‘No, this kind of stuff doesn’t happen here,’" he said.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Clearwater police at 727-562-4242.